College GameDay Bristol Blog: Week 2

Every Saturday during the 2007 season, the ESPN.com college football team will be blogging live from Bristol, bringing you inside information and commentary from our writers and analysts who are at the top games at stadiums across the country. Refresh this page often to keep track of all the entries throughout the afternoon.

Have a question or comment on today's action? E-mail us and let us know what you're thinking.

Editor's note: Game analyst David Norrie will be participating in today's interactive blog as he calls the NC State-Boston College game (ESPN2, 2:30 ET) from the broadcast booth at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Watch for David's observations and commentary on Tom O'Brien's return to The Heights.

Here's a final thought from what was an exciting opening weekend of play:

From Logan in Utah (or someone in Logan, Utah): All I can say is this: Any team can be beat on any day, this is why we watch sports. Awesome baby!
Amen. And we'll see you at noon for Week 2 action.

12:00 p.m.: The second Saturday is underway. It actually started last hour in Huntington, W. Va. and right now No. 3 WVU leads Marshall 6-3 (ESPN2) early in the second quarter. The Mountaineers scored on a 46-yard pass from Pat White to Darius Reynaud. No PAT so that's why it's a 3-point game.

12:04 p.m.: ESPN.com's Ivan Maisel from Miami-Oklahoma
The game of the day could turn out to be this noon ET kick (ABC) where a new-look Miami is facing No. 5 Oklahoma. Here's Ivan's 3-point stance from Norman:

1. To read the Oklahoma papers, you would think the Sooners' three losses to Miami happened in this decade, not the 1980s. Hurricanes' coach Randy Shannon, who played on the 1987 Miami team that won the national championship by beating Oklahoma, said, "Half of these guys weren't even born then … It doesn't play a factor into Saturday's game." It does with the Sooner fans.

2. No matter who wins this game, you'll see a lot of both these teams next year. Of the 17 Oklahoma players who handled the ball against North Texas, only two are seniors. Miami's defense, the strength of the team, has only two starting seniors -- although anyone who thinks that junior strong safety Kenny Phillips will stick around for his senior year is a diehard 'Cane fan. You have to assume he'll be in the NFL.

3. It began raining last night in Norman and just stopped within the hour. To be honest, Memorial Stadium feels a little bit like Miami at Memorial Stadium -- gray and thick. Rain usually means that teams stick to running the ball, and both teams proved last week that they can do that, albeit against inferior competition. Keep an eye on the footing on the grass field early in the game.

12:26 p.m.: Marshall is driving late in the first half. The Herd are down to the WVU 42-yard line with 2:08 left.

12:27 p.m.: Another Marshall first down to the WVU 26 with 1:02 left.

12:28 p.m.: First and goal for Marshall at the WVU 10 with :20 left.

12:29 p.m.: A 26-yard FG by Anthony Binswanger is good. Marshall leads 13-6 at the half.

12:31 p.m.: From the ESPN Research Department:
Marshall leads West Virginia, 13-6 at the half. That's already more points than MU scored in the only other time it hosted the Mountaineers -- a 92-6 loss in 1915.

12:34 p.m.: Attention Michigan fans: No. 12 Ohio State trails Akron 2-0 after Chris Wells was tackled in the end zone for a safety.

12:35 p.m.: From the ESPN Research Department:
The last time Ohio State lost to a team from the state of Ohio was 1921, when the Buckeyes fell to mighty Oberlin, 7-6.

12:37 p.m.: OU with an early 7-0 lead over Miami after Sam Bradford found Malcolm Kelly on a 23-yard TD.

12:43 p.m.: A 20-yard FG by Miami cuts the OU lead to 7-3 with 5:26 left in the first quarter.

1:12 p.m.: Another Anthony Binswanger FG has given Marshall the 16-13 lead over WVU with 9:31 left in the third quarter.

1:14 p.m.: That Bowling Green score is interesting for a couple of reasons. One, MSU pounded UAB in last week's opener and looked very impressive; and two, BG beat Minnesota at the Metrodome in week one. I wonder if a MAC school has ever beaten two Big Ten schools in consecutive weeks?

1:16 p.m.: Ohio State's Ryan Pretorius has kicked a 37-yard FG to give the Buckeyes a 3-2 lead over Akron with 7:54 left in the second quarter.

1:18 p.m.: Brett Hodges on a 1-yard TD run to give Wake Forest the 10-6 lead over No. 16 Nebraska with 5:13 left in the second quarter.

1:22 p.m.: Pat White just scored on a QB keeper around the right edge to give No. 3 WVU a 20-16 lead at Marshall.

1:25 p.m.: No. 5 OU has started to roll in Norman. A 39-yard fumble return by Reggie Smith has the Sooners up 21-3 over Miami in the second quarter.

1:26 p.m.: UL-Monroe with an early 7-0 lead at Clemson thanks to a 1-yard TD by Calvin Dawson. I'm sure Tommy Bowden doesn't need a reminder that following up a big home win over Florida State with a loss to the Warhawks wouldn't be the way to go.

1:28 p.m.: Kyle Wright has replaced Kirby Freeman at QB for Miami.

1:29 p.m.: Wright has the U down to the OU 15 with 3:30 left in the half.

1:31 p.m.: Maybe it was the 11 a.m. ET start because WVU has started to wake up. Steve Slaton just scored to give the Mountaineers a 27-16 lead at Marshall.

1:33 p.m.: Miami ran a fake FG on 4th and 3 and converted. It's now 1st and goal at OU 4 for the Canes.

1:36 p.m.: With :16 left in the first half, Nebraska has retaken the lead at Wake Forest on a Sam Keller to Sean Hill 25-yard TD pass.

1:41 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Hey everyone ... we're ready to roll from Chestnut Hill. About an hour from kickoff. Very steamy in the pressbox ... No AC and we may be in the 90s by gametime. Looking forward to ingame chat with all of you out there. I'll be making observations, responding to comments and answering questions for those of you following along on the blog. This is first time an TV analyst has also interacted with ESPN.com users so let's have some fun.

Off to do an ESPNews hit ... be back shortly!

1:43 p.m.: Miami finally scored on that drive. A Kyle Wright to Ryan Hill 6-yard pass cuts the OU lead to 21-10 with 1:06 left in the half. Great work by Wright driving the Canes down the field on a 19-play, 6:30 minute drive.

1:46 p.m.: End of the third quarter in Huntington. It's still No. 3 WVU 27, Marshall 23.

1:48 p.m.: It's 3-2 Ohio State over Akron at the half.

1:49 p.m.: From the ESPN Research Department:
The one and only time Akron beat Ohio State took place in 1894. Akron's coach? None other than John Heisman himself.

1:51 p.m.: Check out the halftime box from Akron-Ohio State. Combined the two teams have eight first downs and 163 total yards. In fact, Akron has almost as many penalty yards (38) as total yards (49).

1:53 p.m.: ESPN.com's Ivan Maisel from Miami-Oklahoma
Never mind Oklahoma's two touchdown drives, or the 61-yard fumble return by corner Reggie Smith for a third touchdown. The difference between the No. 5 Sooners and the Miami Hurricanes became the most glaring when the visitors got inside the Oklahoma 10-yard-line.

The first time, thanks to a bad punt snap, Miami started at the Sooner 9 and gained three yards. The second time, the Hurricanes needed seven snaps from the Oklahoma 3 to score a touchdown. And they only got to the 3 thanks to a successful fake field goal from the 8.

In the first half, Oklahoma looked like worthy of its ranking. Unfortunately, so did unranked Miami. That's why the Sooners lead, 21-10.

1:56 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
The Wolfpack's top two defensive tackles -- Alan Michael Cash and Demarion Pressley -- are out. Pressley is a first day NFL draft pick ... big void in the middle of NC State's defense.

1:57 p.m.: No. 3 WVU just extended its lead over Marshall to 34-23 with 10:23 left in the game.

2:01 p.m.: Greg from Oakland: David Norrie, what kind of reception will Tom O'Brien get from the BC crowd?

2:02 p.m.:ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
I think the reception will be mixed. This may be bigger outisde Boston then here in Chestnut Hill. The story didn't even make the front page of the sports section in the Boston Globe this morning! We'll be able to gauge O'Brien's reception a little better when the coaches come out from the locker room.

2:04 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
BC coach Jags and O'Brien chatting on the sideline. Remember Jags was O'Brien's offensive coordinator here at BC in the late 90s. They had a quarteback by the name of Matt Hasselbeck on that team.

2:06 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
BC QB Matt Ryan looked like a million bucks in warmup ... just shorts and t-shirt but he was spinning the ball exceptionally well. Comin' off the best opening week of any quarterback in the country. Five TDs and over 400 yards passing. The last QB to throw for five or more TDs at BC ... Doug Flutie.

2:09 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
While we're on the subject of QBs on the national scene, Brian Brohm and Colt Brennan held serve in the Heisman race in my opinion ... BC's Matt Ryan is now on the Heisman Radar screen. If Boston College could win the ACC -- the operative word being if -- Matt Ryan will be in New York in December.

2:10 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Boston College back in the lockeroom ... NC State QB, and Nebraska tranfser, Harrison Beck taking the No. 1 offense through some last minute drills before they head back in.

2:12 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
For BC offensively, I think the story will be can the wide receivers get off the line of scrimmage against physical press coverage by the Wolfpack secondary. NC State is very physical on the line of scrimmage and will try to interupt the Eagles' routes.

2:13 p.m.: A Kenneth Moore 5-yard TD run has given Wake Forest a 17-13 lead over No. 16 Nebraska early in the third quarter.

2:14 p.m.: Another Steve Slaton TD run has WVU up 41-23 over Marshall with 4:23 left in the game.

2:15 p.m.: A 45-yard FG for Miami has closed the gap to 21-13 against Oklahoma in Norman.

2:19 p.m.: Finally a TD in Columbus as Todd Boeckman found Brandon Saine for 6 yards and Ohio State now leads Akron 13-2.

2:21 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Did you know: NC State's never been to a major (Top 4) bowl game in its history. I think O'Brien is being paid to deliver. Anthem time. We're setting up the on-camera for the open.

2:22 p.m.: Nebraska back Marlon Lucky just scored on a 22-yard TD run to put Nebraska back on top 20-17 at Wake Forest in the third quarter.

2:24 p.m.: WVU freshman RB Noel Devine just scored his second TD to put the Mountaineers up 48-23 at Marshall. Devine has 5 carries for 76 yards and 2 TDs.

2:30 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Hey folks we're getting ready for our on camera and the opening of our broadcast. Looking forward to your comments and questions during the game. Let's get interactive Don't be afraid to bring it!

2:32 p.m.: Colorado State has taken an early 7-0 lead at home against No. 10 Cal.

2:40 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Re: interception: Big mistake by Harrison Beck. NC State cannot win if the doesn't take care of the ball!

2:43 p.m.: BC takes advantage of the NC State turnover and takes a 7-0 lead.

2:44 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
RE: Touchdown pass: Beautiful ball from Ryan to Challenger on the TD ... Ryan off to sizzling start.

2:46 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Challenger caught the same ball in the same area of the field for a key TD against Wake last week. Ryan took a little velocity off the ball ... nice touch!

2:48 p.m.: OU kicked another FG and now leads 31-13 over Miami. The Canes respond by putting Kirby Freeman back in the game.

2:49 p.m.: Ohio State has extended its lead to 20-2 over Akron in the 4th quarter.

2:51 p.m.: From Matt in Edmond, Okla.: Well OU will go to the national championship against LSU.
Call off the rest of the season. We have the BCS Championship game matchup.

2:53 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Beck is treading on thin ice for NC State ... he better start seeing the field better -- NC State might want to use some double moves by the WRs ... to catch these BC DBs biting on an arm fake.

2:58 p.m.: ESPN.com's Ivan Maisel from Miami-Oklahoma
It's not often that 31-13 games resemble defensive battles, but that's what Oklahoma and Miami are staging. The teams have combined -- combined -- for 338 total yards (Oklahoma 222, Miami 116) in three quarters. Miami has played well on defense but lost ground in the field-position game. Oklahoma's two scoring drives in the third quarter were all of 47 and 44 yards. Oklahoma did control the ball for 11:11 in the third quarter. It will be interesting to see if that pays off in the fourth quarter. And if anyone sees Miami wide receiver Lance Leggett, alert the Miami quarterbacks. He hasn't caught a pass yet.

2:59 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College

Scary field position for Beck inside his own 5 ... especially after an incredibly shaky start.

3:00 p.m.: Another Sam Bradford to Malcolm Kelly TD pass has OU up 38-13 over Miami with 11:52 left in the game. It was Bradford's fourth TD pass on the day.

3:02 p.m.: A Harrison Beck keeper caps a 98-yard TD drive for NC State to tie Boston College at 7-7 with 4:14 left in the first quarter.

3:04 p.m.: No. 10 Cal has taken a 14-7 lead at Colorado State in the first quarter.

3:06 p.m.: Duke trails Virginia 24-13 late in the fourth quarter, so it looks like the nation's longest losing streak will reach 22.

3:07 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
NC State is going to feature Beck's legs ... getting outside ... throwing the ball on the run.

3:09 p.m.: Final in Columbus: No. 12 Ohio State 20, Akron 2.

3:12 p.m.: Following a Matt Ryan interception, NC State drives but settles for a 28-yard FG to take a 10-7 lead with 1:29 left in the first quarter.

3:15 p.m.: Colorado State has tied up No. 10 Cal at 14-14 in Fort Collins.

3:16 p.m.: From Wolfpack 18: Do you think that Beck will help out NC State throughout the year better than Daniel Evans was able to do?

3:17 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Yes. Physically better gifted. And a guy who plays big in game situations.

3:19 p.m.: Another Sam Bradford TD pass in Norman as OU leads Miami 45-13 late in the fourth. Bradford has 5 TD passes on only 205 yards.

3:21 p.m.: From Boston: Why is it that as you mentioned BC has finished in the top 25 the last few years but are never ranked in the top 25 at the beginning of the season?

3:22 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College

I agree with you ... I hate the polls ... a playoff is the only way to settle a football champion ... polls are antiquated and often highly inaccurate.

3:23 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
How about NC State receiver Darrell Blackman --- 6 catches for 128 yards after one quarter!

3:24 p.m.: BC retakes the lead when it picks off a Harrison Beck pass and returns it for six. PAT is good and it's 14-10 BC early in the second.

3:26 p.m.: OU has passed the 50-point mark and now leads 51-13 over Miami late in the fourth. Backup QB Joey Halzle found Adron Tennell for 61 yards on the latest score.

3:33 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Beck made some plays to get his team back in it ... and then he crashed the car again ... be careful with the football in your own end! A nice package on Matt Ryan is coming up -- I will show you why he will be a 1st round pick in the NFL draft.

3:37 p.m.: It's a final in Norman as No. 5 OU cruises to a 51-13 win over Miami. Sam Bradford with 5 TD passes (3 to Malcolm Kelly) and DeMarco Murray with 64 rushing yards on 15 carries.

3:41 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Nice decision by Jags to punt it away ... no reason to gamble at this point. With the lead Tom O'Brien made a big mistake last week on a 4th down in the 4th quarter vs. UCF -- we will focus on it after the break.

3:43 p.m.: Opening drive of the game for Michigan and QB Chad Henne is picked off at the goal line as the Wolverines are trying to score. Oregon has the ball.

3:44 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
What did you Wolfpack fans think about Coach O'Brien's decision to go for it on 4th and 6 vs. UCF last week?

3:48 p.m.: ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach
Don't think the game was close because Nebraska was looking ahead to next week's matchup with No. 1 USC -- Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe is that good. After losing Riley Skinner to a separated shoulder, Grobe got backup Brett Hodges ready to play and nearly pulled off the upset.

3:53 p.m.: Washington and new QB Jake Locker (6-yard TD run) have an early 7-0 lead over No. 22 Boise State in the first quarter.

4:03 p.m.: ESPN.com's Ivan Maisel from Miami-Oklahoma
No. 5 Oklahoma played well Saturday, and might be very good. Miami played well on defense for three quarters and may be mediocre. The Sooners dominated the second half, scoring two touchdowns in the first 6:19 of the fourth quarter against an exhausted Hurricane defense, and cruised to a 51-13 victory.

When the game ended, the Miami offense may have been ready to play some more. It didn't stay on the field very long. The Hurricane scoring drives:

Four plays, three yards; 18 plays, 52 yards; Five plays, 19 yards.

The Hurricanes showed a little life with Kyle Wright at quarterback in the second and third quarters. I don't know whether head coach Randy Shannon or offensive coordinator Patrick Nix decided to put starter Kirby Freeman back in the game at the end of the fourth quarter. It could have been university president Donna Shalala. It doesn't matter. Freeman didn't have it Saturday. Three straight possessions without a first down highlighted the difference between these two teams Saturday.

4:05 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Beck is coming of age on this drive. BC defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani needs to work a few blitz packages on this drive.

4:06 p.m.: BC picks off its third NC State pass and stops another Wolfpack drive. Four total turnovers in the first half for NC State.

4:07 p.m.: Halftime: Boston College 17, NC State 10.

4:09 p.m.: Michigan comes back as Chad Henne finds Adrian Arrington on a 7-yard TD pass to take a 7-3 lead with 5:29 left in the first half. But the Ducks came right back to score on an 85-yard pass from Dennis Dixon to Brian Paysinger. After a two-point conversion, it's 11-7 Oregon late in the first in Ann Arbor.

4:13 p.m.: Another Washington TD has given the Huskies a 14-0 lead over No. 22 Boise State late in the first quarter.

4:16 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
The real story at the half has been Harrison Beck absolutely sparkling at times and then deflating his team with a turnover. We are not seeing Matt Ryan's best game thus far either -- too many forced throws ... he could easily have as many turnovers as Beck.

4:18 p.m.: From Midway: I'm watching the NC State-BC game and wondering when we might see a QB change for the Wolfpack? What about Justin Burke?

4:19 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College

No way ... NC State is going to have live and learn with Beck. He has too much upside ... besides, if see another quarterback it will be Daniel Evans.

4:20 p.m.: From Will in Lillington, NC: Do you think that NC State have another Phillp Rivers with quarterback Beck or is Beck his own quarterback?

4:21 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College

Beck has a different style. He has a stockier build and a more conventional delivery. That being said, Beck has light years to go before he can be mentioned in the same company with Phillip Rivers ... Rivers is the No. 2 passer all-time in DI football ... and now one of the best QBs in the NFL.

4:22 p.m.: Boise is on the board after a 1-yard Taylor Tharp sneak and now trails 14-7 at Washington.

4:23 p.m.: From Kevin in Uxbridge, Mass.: Is BC's defense establishing itself as one of the nations best defenses with its 5 INTs on the year so far?

4:24 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College

They are giving up way too many yards to be considered one of the best this point in the season. They gave up 366 yards passing to Wake Forest last week ... on the other side of the coin they are right at the top when it comes to playing the football in the secondary.

4:25 p.m.: From Marty in Florence, S.C.: If Beck continues to stretch the BC defense with throws downfield, shouldn't that perhaps open up the running game for draws and quick off-tackle plays? It seems to me that stretching BC's defense should improve NC State's running game.

4:26 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College

Yes, you are right. The more success Beck has throwing the football down the field, and threatening BC's defense vertically, the more NC State will be able to test BC between the tackles in the run game.

4:27 p.m.: From John in Duxbury, Mass.: Matt Ryan needs more proetection. Also the he has been getting hit and beat up pretty late after he has thrown the ball, I would like to see more flags on that. You also mentioned that BC will miss Raji and they have been they can't get any pressure on Beck and you saw it with skinner (Wake Forest) last week, they need to find scheme to get some pressure on the QB.

4:28 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College

Good observation. At times in the first half, even when Ryan has gotten a throw off down the field, he has taken big hits. BC has to keep him healthy this season. I have not seen any late hits on Ryan to this point.

4:29 p.m.: Second half is underway in Chestnut Hill for NC State-Boston College.

4:32 p.m.: It's now in the fourth quarter in Fort Collins and No. 10 Cal only has a six-point lead over Colorado State. Stay tuned.

4:35 p.m.: ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach from South Carolina-Georgia
It's the SEC opener for Georgia and South Carolina. Even though its the league opener, it's a game that typically goes a long way in determining where the teams will end up at the end of the season. Since the Gamecocks joined the SEC in 1992, the winner of the Georgia-South Carolina game has finished higher in the SEC East standings in 12 of 15 seasons. The Bulldogs have won five games in a row and 11 of 14 in the series. Steve Spurrier, who had a sparkling 11-1 record vs. Georgia (Jim Donnan was the only Dogs coach to beat the Evil Genius), is 0-2 against the Dogs as South Carolina's coach. After Georgia shut out Spurrier's team last season in Columbia (only the second time a Spurrier-coached team had ever been shutout), look for him to have added motivation going into tonight's game at Sanford Stadium.

4:36 p.m.: A FG by Washington has put the Huskies up 17-7 over No. 22 Boise State early in the second quarter.

4:37 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
NC State with minus-five yards rushing at the half? You can't win this way. The inexperience at offensive line will be a big problem in the early season for the Wolfpack.

4:38 p.m.: From Richard in Greenville, N.C.: Matt Ryan-is it the quarterback or the system? Steve Logan Off. Coordinator at B.C. is known as an offensive genius particularly as a QB coach (Ask David Garrard/Jeff Blake from QB's from East Carolina) Just wondering??? Off to see East Carolina play the Tarheels! Go Pirates!

4:39 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College

You have to give his coorindators credit but with Ryan a lot of it is the quarterback.

4:41 p.m.: Cal scored to take a 27-14 lead at Colorado State.

4:44 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
NC State is making it difficult for BC's WRs to get into their routes ... they have thrown off the timing between Ryan and his wideouts ... BC's wide receivers are dropping the ball today, too ... after close to a perfect day vs. Wake Forest last week.

4:49 p.m.: Boston College scores a TD to go up 23-10 midway through the third quarter.

4:50 p.m.: Oregon has scored again -- a Jonathan Stewart 3-yard TD on 4th and 2 -- to take a 18-7 lead in the second quarter at Michigan.

4:52 p.m.: The Huskies are rolling. U-Dub leads No. 22 Boise State 24-7 after a Jake Locker to Marcel Reese 58-yard TD late in the second quarter.

4:53 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
NC State punter Franklin's error couldn't be more costly. And like a top tier ACC team should, BC cashes it in at the counter -- the missed XP is small solace.

4:55 p.m.: Appalachian State leads 38-0 at the half over Lenoir-Rhyne.

4:56 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Blackman is such an x-factor as a return man, but BC has bottled him up.

1. Who are quicker learners, the Texas secondary or TCU redshirt freshman quarterback Andy Dalton? Dalton made his first career start last week. The Longhorn DBs, though more experienced, last week played like they were doing the same.

2. Can Texas establish a consistent, clock-eating running game behind Jamaal Charles? The Longhorns' offensive line, breaking in three new starters, showed its growing pains last week against an unheralded Arkansas State defensive front. TCU, with the likely return of All-MWC defensive end Tommy Blake from personal issues, promises a stiffer test.

3. These aren't your daddy's Frogs. TCU has won its last five games against Big 12 foes, including a 27-0 rout of Baylor last week. Texas has won 27 of the last 28 against the Frogs, but both teams are so far removed from the days of the Southwest Conference that recalling that streak is as relevant to tonight's game as arguing whether Davey O'Brien threw a prettier pass than Bobby Layne.

5:02 p.m.: Oregon QB Dennis Dixon ran a fake statue of liberty play and went in untouched for the 9-yard TD. The Ducks now lead at Michigan 25-7 with 3:41 left in the first half.

5:07 p.m.: Oregon scored again and it's now 32-7 in Ann Arbor with 3:02 left in the second quarter.

5:12 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Turnovers + no run game do not equal win -- NC State may have to go exclusively to the air on offense.

5:15 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
The completion to Stone on the last play of the 3rd quarter is an illustration of exactly why Beck has 4 turnovers. Putting the ball up down the middle of the field with a pass rusher hanging on your leg usually means INT.

5:17 p.m.: We already have two QBs (OU's Bradford and Clemson's Cullen Harper) with 5 TDs. Dixon already has 3. Will Michigan throw five all season?

5:21 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
BC can put the game in the cupboard on this drive.

5:22 p.m.: L.V. Whitworth scores for BC and the Eagles now lead 30-10 over NC State in the fourth quarter.

5:26 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Kicking a field goal on 4th down would have been a disappointment for the heavies up front on the BC offensive line. Jags feeds them by lining up and running an off-tackle play to nturn this into a 3 score game.

5:27 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Tom O'Brien has to go no huddle immediately and extend this game by throwing on every down!

5:30 p.m.: From the ESPN Research Department:
• This marks the first time in school history that Michigan has allowed 30-plus points in four consecutive games.
• Only once before this streak did they even allow 30-plus in three straight games -- that was in 1999 when the Wolverines finished 10-2.

5:35 p.m.: From Jason in Atlanta: Is Michigan really this bad or is Oregon and Appy State that good?
It may be too early to tell but it's likely a little of both. Before the season started you couldn't even fathom the thought of an 0-2 Notre Dame vs. 0-2 Michigan matchup next Saturday in Ann Arbor, although it's too early to call that a reality yet.

5:37 p.m.: From Mike in Columbus: First off, us Buckeyes don't care about Michigan losing Carr, it's just to fun watching them lose. Now with Washington beating Boise State, doe's next weeks matchup of Ohio State vs. Washington finally recieve the national attention it deserves?
There are a lot of good games next weekend: USC vs. Nebraska, Tennessee vs. Florida, Louisville vs. Kentucky ... and clearly Ohio State vs. Washington if that's a matchup of 2-0 teams.

5:40 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Beck adds to a barrel-full of interceptions ... This will be a learning experience to say the least. BC will put it into shutdown ... not the performance we expected by Matt Ryan but 2-0 in the ACC is just fine with coach Jags.

5:42 p.m.: ESPN's Rece Davis from the Bristol Studio
Looks like Appalachian State was no aberration for Michigan. Wolverines look like they're running in oatmeal compared to Oregon. I'll bet the Wolverines look better when the game slows down for them -- against most of the Big Ten.

First time in school history, Michigan has given up 30 or more four games in a row.

Researcher and BCS guru Brad Edwards just said he didn't care how bad Notre Dame looks tonight, he thinks Michigan is folding up the tent and the Irish will have a chance.

I think a lot of the criticism of Lloyd Carr is unjustified given what he's done for that program. But, I did tell the guys earlier they look like a team that needs to hear a new voice. And for all of the love that Ron English got last year, he deserves some heat. On the Dixon to Paysinger TD pass, the safety never moved to cover the route in the seam -- and there was NOBODY on his side.

5:47 p.m: The rout is on in Chestnut Hill. An Andre Callender 69-yard TD run gives the Eagles a 37-10 lead. NC State has 6 yards rushing.

5:49 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
Tom O'Brien has found a young QB ... but has to pay with an early loss in the ACC -- you have to learn to live with the mistakes early in a season with a young QB. Beck is a gifted athlete and passer and he will cause some problems for more than a couple of teams down the line in the ACC.

5:53 p.m.: NC State adds a late score at BC to trim the lead to 37-17 with 1:31 left in the game.

5:55 p.m.: ESPN2 Game Analyst David Norrie from NC State-Boston College
I've gotta make a flight at Logan at the end of game -- I'm signing off from Chestnut Hill. It's been great sharing some insight and answering your questions during the game. Enjoy the rest of your college football Saturday.

6:05 p.m.: ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach from South Carolina-Georgia
South Carolina cornerback Carlos Thomas kept alive Georgia's opening drive with a pair of 15-yard penalties. First, Thomas was penalized for a personal foul after the Gamecocks sacked quarterback Matthew Stafford for a four-yard loss on third down. The penalty gave Georgia a first down at its 40. After Carolina stuffed Thomas Brown for a one-yard loss on another third down, Thomas screamed at an official on the field and was given a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. That penalty gave the Bulldogs another first down. Fortunately for South Carolina, Stafford overthrew Sean Bailey in the middle of the field. Kicker Brandon Coutu missed a 48-yard field goal attempt on the next play.

6:06 p.m.: The Jimmy Clausen experiment is underway (ESPN) in State College, Pa.

6:08 p.m.: Florida State now trails UAB 17-3. This is the same Blazers team that lost 55-18 last week at Michigan State. These updates get more surprising with each passing minute.

6:12 p.m.: From the conversation pages: This is so sad the Michigan fans will need to shoot botox into there face for the next 2 years to smile again.
That made me laugh.

6:16 p.m.: Notre Dame strikes first. A 73-yard interception return by Darrin Walls for TD has the Irish out to a 7-0 lead. Clausen is 5-for-6 for 37 yards so far.

6:20 p.m.: South Carolina's Cory Boyd scored on a 9-yard run to give the other USC a 7-0 lead in Athens.

6:21 p.m.: It's now 39-7 Oregon after three quarters in Ann Arbor.

6:25 p.m.: Appalachian State beat Lenoir-Rhyne 48-7 in Boone, N.C. -- a town that even Caitlin Upton can find.

6:28 p.m.: With 7:28 left in the first quarter, it's Troy 7, No. 4 Florida 7.

6:31 p.m.: Fresno State is coming back in College Station. With 11:53 left in the fourth, it's now FSU 22, A&M 22.

6:36 p.m.: Penn State has tied it up in a suddenly Happy Valley. Derrick Williams returned a punt 78 yards for TD (2nd career) and it's now 7-7 in the final minute of the first quarter.

6:45 p.m.: ESPN.com's Pat Forde from Virginia Tech-LSU
Visitors to LSU's Death Valley are almost always basted in Cajun derision, a spicy sauce of taunts, boos and cusswords from the hardcore Tigers fans. That's one reason why this has historically been a difficult place to play -- especially at night.

But a respectful exception will be made for Virginia Tech today. In a gesture toward the mass-murder that school endured last April, LSU coach Les Miles issued a statement this week asking Tigers fans to be hospitable and mannerly hosts to the Hokies and their fans. The statement also was signed by LSU seniors Matt Flynn, Glenn Dorsey and Craig Steltz.

The Tigers want to keep the Hokie-bashing between the white lines tonight.

Expectations are for a defensive slugfest between teams that finished 2006 ranked first nationally in total D (Virginia Tech) and third (LSU). The Tigers come into this game first nationally in pass efficiency defense, scoring defense and turnover margin. Virginia Tech is in the top 20 nationally after one game in pass efficiency defense and scoring D.

The Hokies were suprisingly ineffective running the ball last week against East Carolina, producing just 33 yards. That's not good news because throwing the ball is not recommended against LSU, given the Tigers' six interceptions of Mississippi State in the opener and Tech quarterback Sean Glennon's periodic struggles in that area during his career.

LSU's offense still has some proving to do as well, even after scoring 45 points against the Bulldogs. Most of those came off room-service field position thanks to the turnovers, and quarterback Matt Flynn was only so-so throwing the ball. He did, however, make things happen with his feet, so he'll keep the Hokies on edge watching for him to break from the pocket.

Kickoff is late: 9:15 (ESPN). The entire stadium could be well-marinated by then.

6:57 p.m.: Late touchdown for A&M as the Aggies now lead Fresno State 29-22 in the final minutes.

6:59 p.m.: BYU (11), Wisconsin (10) and TCU (9) now have the longest active winning streaks in I-A and all three are in action tonight. The Cougars are playing UCLA now, Wisconsin is at UNLV later tonight and TCU is about to kick off in Austin.

7:00 p.m.: Thanks for joining us this afternoon and we'll see you next week. Enjoy the rest of your college football Saturday. And follow your favorite team here.